Skid chain device



Aug. so, 1938.

E. E. DAVIS sun CHAIN DEVICE Filed May 19, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig. 2.

INVENTQR EDGAR EiDAv/s ATTORNEYS Aug. 30, 1938. E. E. DAVIS SKID CHAIN DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 19, 1937 INVENTOR EDGAR E. DAVIS:

4. ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 30, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE sxm 01mm navrcr: Edgar E.Davis,Bellevi1le, N. J, Application May 19, 1931, Serial No. 143,431

1 Claim- It is an object of my invention to provide a device which will readily enable the attachment of skid chains, especially of the emergency type, to automobile wheels. The modern automobile wheel provides very little space between the spokes. In view of this fact, it becomes a very difiicult task to thread the strap of an emergency chain through this limited space, during the ordinary application of the chains tothe wheel. The task of applying emergency chains to wheels as they are now constructed, is difficult, and furthermore, renders the individual dirty, due to manipulation of the chains beneath the car fenders. With my device, I simplify the task so that the matter of applying the chains, especially threading the strap of the chain through the space between spokes, is readily accomplished. These and other objects are accomplished by my invention, which is illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of my device.

Figs. 2 and 3 are fragmentary detail views, looking in the direction of arrows 2-2 and 3-4 of Fig. 1 respectively. a I

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view partly in section, of a modification of my invention, whereby the feature of adjustability is accomplished.

Figs. 5 and 6 are fragmentary views, looking in the direction of arrows 5-5 and 6-6 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the clamping end of my device, looking in 'I-I of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary plan view taken in the direction of arrows 88 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing the device adjusted to an extended position.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the use of my invention in conjunction with the application of emergency skid chains to an automobile wheel.

As shown in Fig. 1, my invention comprises a loop member I, made of a substantial rigid material having a handle member 2 at one end, twisted at right angles to the member I, by the connection 3. The opposite end of the member I, terminates in a clamping edge 4. In this particular instance, the edge 4 is straight. Attached to the member I by a rivet 'l, is a resilient spring-like member 8. The lower end of the member 8 has a cooperating clamping edge 5. This edge is also preferably straight, so as to engage with the edge 4 of member I. The spring-like member 8 normally assumes the position illustrated in Fig. 1, but by sliding the ring-like member 6 downwardly comprises the three sections 9, III and II.

the direction of arrows and over the top is in its proper position thereon, the edge I is brought into clamping engagement with the edge 4.

In the modification shown in Fig. 4, the device The intermediate section Ill, has threaded thereon, a 5 pair of bolts I4 and I5. The members 9 and II, have respective slots I2 and. I3 which engage with the heads of the bolts I5 and I4. The ears I6 and I! on member 9, and I8 and I9 on member II, act as a guide means during the adjustment of the device. The adjustment of the device is quite obvious, it being merely necessary to loosen the bolts I4 and I5, and by means of the slotted connections I2 and I3, and the guide cars It to I8, the device may be extended in its overall 15 length as shown in Fig. 9.

The handle member in Fig. 6 is shown as bent at right angles to member 9. The opposite end of the device of Fig. 4 has a clamping means similar in construction to that shown in Fig. 1.

Thus there is a resilient spring-like member 23,

. teeth-like formations as illustrated in Fig. 7.

In the use of the invention as shown by Fig. 10, it is obvious that it is merely necessary to insert the clamping end of the device inwardly through the space 21 of the wheel 26. Due to the shape of my device, the further insertion of the device through this space, will cause the clamping end to travel around the inner side of the tire thereof, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 10. The arm 2 of the device, abuts against the outer surface of the spokes. When the device for use, the strap of the emergency chain Cis then engaged by the clamping and of the device. The operator then grips the handle portion 2, pulling the same outwardly as though to remove the device. With the removal of the device, the strap of the emergency chain C will be threaded through the space 21', between the spokes of the wheel. Having this strap in hand, the operator can readily apply the chains to the vehicle wheel.

It is apparent that my invention has a very I 2 amuse elude all equivalent instructions covered by the scope of the following claim.

I claim:

A device for the attachment of emergency skid chains having a strap to an automobile wheel. comprising bowed members adjustably associated with each other by pin and slot connections and having guide means to aid in the extension thereof, said assembled bowed members forming a unit 0 conforming in shape approximately to that o1 the cross-sectional shape of the tire on the wheel, one end 01' the unit having a handle at right angle thereto so as to engage with the outer surface of the wheel spokes when said bowed unit is inserted therebetween, the opposite end of the unit having a clamping means thereon for engagement with the strap of the emergency skid chain so that the strap can be drawn over the tire and between the spokes of the wheel.

EDGAR E. DAVIS. 10 

